St Peter’s College, Gore, was one of many schools to set up a Field of Remembrance to commemorate ANZAC day.
During a very moving service, members of the student council placed 30 white crosses on the embankment below the Chapel.
Each school and kura in New Zealand (including independent and integrated schools) has been given 30 white crosses.
Each cross is named to include local men, nurses, New Zealand Victoria Cross recipients, the youngest New Zealander who died (aged 17), an All Black captain, and one with the words “Known Unto God” to represent the unknown soldier.
St Peter’s College acting deputy principal Bridget Ryan said pupils had been researching the soldiers on the crosses the school had been given.
Corporal Aaron Horrell who has served in Afghanistan spoke to the students about his own ‘tours of duty’ and the reality of war as it affected him.
Former pupil Jackie Bristow’s song Fallen Youth was played on the big screen and a video of fallen soldiers from the Gore area, to the tune of Amazing Grace, was also played.
Ryan said the school held its service on the Tuesday before ANZAC Day so that Horrell could speak to the pupils, not just about Gallipoli but his own experiences serving for the armed forces.
It was a very poignant service,” she said.
“Having him speak brings it all home – it makes it real.”
Source
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News category: New Zealand.
